Had matters taken a slightly different course in the wake of Liverpool parting ways with Rafael Benitez back in the summer of 2010, it could easily be Manuel Pellegrini sitting in the home dugout at Anfield this afternoon.

Pellegrini, recently sacked by Real Madrid, was one of several contenders to replace Benitez as the Reds, then in the dying embers of the Tom Hicks-George Gillett era, sought a new direction.

Talks were held with the Chilean. At the last minute, Kenny Dalglish threw his hat into the ring. So Liverpool appointed Roy Hodgson.

Pellegrini’s career took another path and after three successful years with Malaga he answered the call from Manchester City to help regain the Premier League title.

Hodgson, meanwhile, became one of the most unpopular managers in Liverpool history, lasting barely six months before being given the boot by new owners Fenway Sports Group.

But without Hodgson, there would be no return for Dalglish.

And without Dalglish’s return, there would be no subsequent opportunity for Brendan Rodgers.

Of course, City would not have minded had the Northern Irishman and not Pellegrini replaced Roberto Mancini last summer having tentatively sounded out the Liverpool boss.

Such interest, though, was only a result of his impressive reign at Anfield, which will reach another landmark moment today.

Victory over City would edge Liverpool tantalisingly nearer to ending a championship drought that stretches back to 1990, an achievement which would secure Rodgers’ place in the club annals less than two years into the job.

Rodgers has been keen for his players to simply enjoy the ride. But the belief and self-confidence gathered over the course of a nine-game winning run in the Premier League means the supporters who have dared to dream are now beginning to anticipate a reality.

Anfield will be a bubbling cauldron this afternoon of hope, expectation and sheer desire.

There is a great line in the film The Usual Suspects in which Kevin Spacey’s mysterious Verbal Kint discusses his alter ego Keyser Soze by declaring: “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he did not exist.”

Rodgers may have encouraged devilment in Liverpool’s play to place them among the usual suspects at the top of the table.

But the greatest trick he could possibly pull this season is convincing everybody no pressure exists on his side to win the league.

After such a long wait, and leading the way with so few games remaining, it surely must.

Except nobody believes it. Which is why instead it’s City and Pellegrini who will be struggling to carry the weight of expectation this afternoon.